In a comprehensive review of Islamic jurisprudence regarding women's attire, Dar Al-Ifta Al-Missriyyah addressed the debate surrounding the Niqab, affirming that the essence of Sharia focuses on facilitating worship while preserving dignity without extremism.

Ruling on Wearing the Niqab: A Collective Jurisprudential View

Dar Al-Ifta stated that wearing the Niqab (face veil) is a matter of "custom" rather than "religious legislation," which is the official position in Egypt. The fatwa clarified that a Muslim woman's private area (Awrah) includes her entire body except for the face and hands, as supported by the majority of scholars from the Hanafi, Maliki, and Shafi'i schools.

Evidence from Major Schools of Thought

The Fatwa House relied on explicit texts and evidence from the Sunnah, including:

• The Prophetic Tradition: The Hadith of Asma bint Abi Bakr, where the Prophet ﷺ said: "O Asma, when a woman reaches puberty, nothing should be seen of her except this and this," pointing to his face and hands.

• The Maliki View: Maliki scholars consider the Niqab "Makruh" (disliked) if it is not the local custom, viewing it as a form of religious excess.

• Practical Necessity: The ruling emphasized that daily interactions such as buying, selling, and giving require the exposure of the face and hands.

Custom and Tradition in Clothing

The institution concluded that clothing is closely linked to social customs. While the majority permits uncovering the face, women in societies where the Niqab is a norm (such as in the Hanbali school) may follow it without linking it to the core of faith, affirming that religious obligation is only established through definitive texts.

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